UVERNE

ALUMNI NEWS

Volume 20, Issue 1

Community Education

October 2009

Funded by Luverne High School Alumni Contributors and Friends

LHS Grad Bequeaths $2.9 Million to Dollars for Scholars by Gregg Gropel

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arvey Allison Ordung, ’40, known in the local community as “Allie,” left $2,927,448 to the local community-based scholarship program—Luverne Dollars for Scholars. At an early time in the organization’s beginnings, Ordung became very interested in the Dollars for Scholars program. His involvement intensified in 1990 when he started to sponsor scholarships to certain qualifying graduates. Ordung would say, “If . . . ,” and then he would list a couple names of students he knew, “. . . qualify for a Dollars for Scholars scholarship, I will Harvey “Allie” Ordung sponsor their scholarship.” Class of 1940 Gropel, the Dollars for Scholars secretary at the time, would call Ordung and say something like, “Well, each of the students you chose to sponsor will be receiving a scholarship.” Ordung would respond, “What’s the total amount?” Gropel would tell him, and Ordung would usually say in eagerly-sounding manner, “I’ll bring a check in right away!” This is a scenario that would continue each ensuing year through the spring of 2007, as it stopped when Ordung passed away. In December, 2000, Ordung initiated the Philip N. Ordung Family Scholarship with Dollars for Scholars, and indicated that at his death he would be leaving a fairly large amount of money for this perpetual scholarship. “This scholarship,” said Ordung in a solemn manner, “should not focus on me, but on the Ordung family. My parents are the ones who really made this (referring to his wealth) possible.” Ordung loved his parents (father Philip N. Ordung, and mother, Lily K. Franklin Ordung, ’10), and he was particularly fond of his Rock County Hall of Fame brother, Frank Ordung, ’36. Ordung, who graduated in 1940 as an honor student, boasted that he never took a book home in his four years of high school. Ordung seemed to be a very intelligent individual, something he demonstrated many times by calculating numbers with great accuracy in his head; easily recalling names of people he met, both recently and in the past; repeating details of some special event which occurred in his life, and then later to repeat the same story verbatim; memorizing lengthy,

word for word, Masonic Lodge lectures; displaying a talent to use words and ideas to create humor; and having the keen ability to accurately spell difficult words—however even with his great spelling ability, he would never attempt to spell “hors d’oeuvres.” With all the intelligence Ordung possessed, he never thought about going on to college. He remained on the family farm, the farm which he was born on, helping his parents grow grain, raise chickens, hogs, and cattle. “Those were the best years of my life,” Ordung would often say as he reminisced his youthful working days. Ordung worked along side his parents day in and day out, until his mother passed away in 1968. Upon his mother’s death, according to Ordung, his father said, “It’s time for us to live off the fat of the land.” They quit farming, rented out their land on shares, and often went fishing. In 1980, Ordung’s father passed away. The fishing poles were put away, never to be used again. At this point in time, ready or not, Ordung assumed the duties of administering his own finances and investments, as well as managing the farm operation. Something he carried out very competently. As the retirement years slowly ticked away, Ordung’s health gradually began to fade. In 1997, close to death due to kidney failure, he bounced back to a fairly strong condition after having surgery. Seven years later, in 2004, while in the process of removing a branch off a fence line, Ordung tangled his feet in the tall grasses and fell. Trapped under the branch, hooked on the barb-wire fence, and caught in the tall grass, he was unable to free himself. He remained in that position through the rest of the afternoon and throughout the night, until discovered by Randy VanNieuwenhuizen, ’75, the next morning. The medical staff indicated Ordung had suffered a stroke sometime during this nearly 21-hour ordeal. Ordung spent the last three years of his life as a resident in the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home, a place he grew very fond of. “Heck,” stated Ordung one day as he summarized his new living environment, “I’ve got it made. They (nursing home staff) make my bed, clean my room, wash my clothes, prepare my meals, and make sure I get my medication on time. All I have to do is sit, watch TV, and walk to the cafeteria.” Sitting in his room wasn’t the only thing Ordung did during his stay in the nursing home. He participated in many Ordung . . . Continued on page 9

Honor Roll of Alumni News Contributors Compiled by Rhonna Jarchow

During this past quarter, June 11, 2009, through September 9, 2009, the Alumni News received money in the form of memorials, and gifts totaling $4,305.00. In the memorial section below, the individual being memorialized is printed in bold print, followed by the individual or individuals who made the gift. Contributions given by graduates and friends follow the list of memorials. THANK YOU, READERS!

Memorials Mildred Buchnum Coonradt, ’41 Eileen Sande Kopp, ’41 Jean M. Helland, ’41 Odin Olson, ’41 Eileen Kopp, ’41 Gerald Kennedy, ’42 Jim Evans,’46 Donald Kersbergen, ’42 Sheila Smith Stegenga, ’64 Rob Stegenga, ’64 Randa Smith Gangestad, ’65 Dave Gangestad, ’64 John Smith, ’72 Deb Haper Smith, ’79 Betty Sanny Johnson, ’45 Eileen Sande Kopp, ’41 Mary Catherine Kennedy, ’45 Jim Evans, ’46 Oscar Helle, ’46 Torleif Thompson, ’46 Howard Helling, ’46 Lorren Church, ’46

Melvin Vatland, ’47 Audrey Luethje Gabrielson, ’43 Chad Tower, ’47 Lorraine Olson LaVaughn Peterson Lewis Iva McClure Pierson, ’48 Arlene Gradert Thompson, ’47

James Viland, ’61 Jeanne Viland Ellsworth,’65 Steve Ellsworth, ’64 Janyce Braa Baustian, ’61 Darlene Forrest, “’58

Darold J. Johnson, ’48 Dwayne Johnson, ’55

Jerry Amundson Janice Halsne Amundson, ’60

Dolores Lapic Reisdorfer, ’50 Staff of her daughter, Vicki Schwartz Winifred Haggard, ’50 Mavis Winge Amundson, ’50 Clare VandeVelde Beth Asmussen Keith Luethje, ’49 Betty Hansen Luethje, ’50 Michelle Feldhake Alan Feldhake Karen Winn Timothy Murphy Theresa Murphy Laura Murphy Michael Murphy Bryan Julian Kellie Ann Julian John McLaughlin Esther McLaughlin American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113 David Hoiland, ’50 Jerry Thomasson Rose Thomasson Tracy Mickelson Beth Otto Paul Otto Dave Scheele Nancy Scheele Deb Luskey Carla Jo Lund Judith Montain Diane Fenton

Betty Meyers Iveland Bev Bell Haraldson, ’58 Amy Gonnerman Overgaard, ’86

Betty Sanny Johnson, ’47 Allan Top Judy Steiner Top, ’67

Vyonna Anderson Maxwell, ’50 Iva McClure Pierson, ’48

Curt Maxwell, ’47 Iva McClure Pierson, ’48

Margorie Hoh Leech, ’51 Iva McClure Pierson, ’48

Don Deutsch, ’78 Leann Reu Mansour, ’78

Ann Birkeland Larson Imogene Lemke Krogmann, ’47

Honor Roll . . . Continued on page 14

Memorials and contributions may be sent to: Alumni News c/o Rhonna Jarchow 709 N. Kniss Avenue Luverne, Minnesota 56156

See Page 14 for Financial Summary

NOTE: If you have recently made a contribution to the Alumni News and your name does not appear on this page, please let the staff know. The chances are your contribution was received after this page was compiled (Sept. 11, 2009). Please watch for the next issue, January, 2010 (Volume 20, Issue 2), for additional names of Alumni News contributors.

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What We’ve Heard . . . By Carol McDonald Russell Pederson (56) and Sharyl Mundahl Pederson (60) write from San Antonio, TX, that they read the Alumni News cover to cover. They send their thanks for all of those who work on this paper. The Pedersons are also looking forward to Sharyl’s 50th Reunion in 2010. Both are retired from teaching and administration in 2002. They enjoy spending time with their 7 grandchildren (ages 2-21.) Their three children and spouses are in the field of education. They have lived in San Antonio since 1979 and still have a hard time enduring the 100 degree plus summer days but their family keeps them in the south. Russell coached and developed the sport of wrestling in San Antonio for 18 years. He directed tournaments across the state of Texas. His diligence in promoting this great sport helped lead Texas to adopt the sport for high schools in 1998. To top it off, their son Blaine became the first wrestling coach in the school in which Russell had labored for years. Both Russell and Sharyl were inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Service to Wrestling. Their passion for the sport does not waiver and they continue to work at local and regional tournaments. They send their greetings to their 56’ and 60’ classmates and look forward to meeting again in 2010. Maria Gluf Pfeifer (2000) writes from her home in Sioux Falls. She and her husband Dallas just welcomed their first child on June 7, 2009. Daughter Anna Marie Claire Pfeifer is a lucky little girl to have great parents and wonderful grandparents a few miles away! Graduate Howard Priesz (58) of Sioux Falls is enjoying his retirement as of July 31, 2009. After 50 years in banking, it is great to have a new challenge in life! He also shares that he enjoys reading the Alumni News. Denny Mahoney (59) had a wonderful time at the All School Reunion. He said that since retiring in 2008, “life is great!” He has a wonderful time golfing four or more times a week in Phoenix.

Len Hansen (45) writes from St. Peter, MN, that he has just celebrated his 50th anniversary as a registered engineer. He still works as a consultant engineer for a construction company. Len and wife Irene Lapic Hansen (45) celebrated 61 years of marriage.

“As Jimmy Stewart said in his classic movie, “Oh, you wonderful, wonderful town!” The Alumni Reunion was so memorable that I wish to “play” it all again, but this time in slow motion.” Janice Halsne Amundson (60) writes from Sioux Falls, SD. She continues to live in the twin home development she and husband Jerry moved into 8 years ago. She misses Jerry who passed away in 2008 but keeps busy with all the other retired people who live in the same complex. Janice is also busy with her children and grandchildren who live in the Sioux Falls area but found time to get away for a month last winter in Florida. She loved to read the Alumni News and keep up with what her friends are doing.

Betty Swenson Ellars of Kingman, AZ, was delighted to see the picture in the last Alumni News of the LHS Band of 1949. She identified herself on the parade route and the portrait playing the snare drums. Betty loved the delightful memories that it brought back. Fred Smeins (59) and Judy Van Otterloo Smeins (59) send greetings from College Station, TX, and thanks to the Alumni News staff for keeping them posted on what is going on. They send their warmest congratulations to their classmate, Tom Getman, on his induction to the Rock County Hall of Fame. Fred is still with Texas A & M and Judy enjoys her work as a real estate broker.

Ron Lippi (67) of Wausau, WI, sends a note to all Luverne alumni to join Facebook (www.facebook.com.) It is free and painless. If you search for LHS Class of ’67 you can find lots of classmates. Participate regularly or lurk in silence as you use this tool to find old acquaintances, see old and new photos, and get news about reunions and other events.

Kay Anderson Johnson (60) of Little Canada, MN, enjoyed seeing classmates and friends at the All School Reunion. She congratulated all the people in Luverne for how hard they work to continually recreate the community. Kay also sends her congratulations to the Dollars for Scholars program. What a wonderful gift for students at LHS. She can’t wait to return in 2010 for her 50th Class Reunion!

Ron Hamann sends a short bio of his mother, Loretta Kemerling Hamann. Loretta turned 100 on June 24th and graduated from LHS in 1927. Loretta (Kemerling) Hamann, the youngest of four children, was born on a farm June 24, 1909 in Henry County, Illinois, somewhere near the town of Annawan. She didn’t live on the farm very long because when Loretta was only six months old, the family moved to a farm in southwestern Minnesota. Her parents were Harry and Elizabeth (De Fliger) Kemerling. As a child she remembers sleeping upstairs in the Minnesota farm home and at times is was very cold and you could see frost on the ceiling. Feather ticks were made for the beds to keep them warm. As the youngest of four children she

Janesville, MN, resident and ’61 LHS graduate Mary Oeding Scheffert sends her thanks and congratulations to the staff of the Alumni News. She enjoys keeping abreast of what is going on in the school and in the community. LHS ’50 graduate Gloria Schlapkohl Siekmeier challenges all Alumni News Readers to keep those contributions coming so we can keep getting this great paper. She also sends a special thank you to everyone who worked on the summer celebration and making it such a success. She writes:

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What We’ve Heard . . . Continued on page 4

What We’ve Heard . . . Continued from page 3

Let’s Hear from YOU! Let us know what you are doing and we’ll pass it on to other alumni. Complete and then place this form in an envelope and mail to: Alumni News 709 N. Kniss Avenue Luverne, Minnesota 56156

often waited at the window for the others to come home from school. Travel was by wagon, buggy or a bobsled. It was in 1913 or 1914 that her father bought his first car. It was an AMF. She doesn’t remember what that stood for but her dad called it an Every Morning Fix Name It. After they got a car the Mailing Address family drove to Luverne on City State Saturday nights to do shopping. It was a social time for people Phone Number: and the stores stayed open as long as there were people E-Mail around. Her mother took butter and eggs to the store and Year of Graduation they paid her for these with chips which were round tokens Comments: that she could pay for the groceries with them. They took cream to the cream station and were paid cash for that. Loretta remembers when the U.S. got involved in the World War I. Soldiers left from the Omaha Depot by train. The depot is still located a few blocks south of Main Street in Luverne. It was a sad time for the families and loved ones. areas were: medicine, veterinary In 1927, Loretta graduated from medicine, mechanical engineering Luverne High School followed by and chemistry. a year of normal school to prepare Since she was a young wife, for teaching in rural schools. At Loretta has had a stron personal completion, she stayed at home and faith in Christ that was shared taught at the same rural school she with her family and others. Most had attended. of her married life she attended Loretta had been dating Henry and ministered at the First Baptist Hamann, a Rock County farm boy, Church in Luverne. for three years and on June 6, 1929, After the boys become older, they were married and moved Henry and Loretta were able to to Moline, Illinois, where Henry take many trips, seeing the United worked for the Rock Island Railroad States, Canada and visiting family. and Loretta worked in the office of They were able to visit 45 of the 50 Montgomery Ward. On July, 1933, states and a number of Canadian Henry and Loretta were blessed with provinces. Henry and Loretta twin sons, Ronald and Donald. celebrated their 50th Anniversary in In 1936, the family moved back June, 1979. In the late 1980’s, Henry to Rock County, Minnesota, to begin became ill with Alzheimer’s and a long farming career lasting until died in 1990. retirement in 1970. In 1943, a son, During that time Loretta moved Gordon, was born and in 1944, a from the farm to Luverne. In 1996, son, Arlyn. The first tractor was Loretta lost her son Donald to a purchased in 1937. Loretta has brain tumor. At that time he was fond memories of the farms grew a professor in the food science up on and those where she raised department at North Carolina her family. She encouraged her State University. In August 2005, children to get a good education. she moved to The Rivers in All her sons earned advanced to be near her three 4 Burnsville university degrees in four remaining sons and their different areas of study. Those families.

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Note: On September 13, 2009, Loretta Kemerling Hamann passed away at the age of 100. ’65 LHS graduate Linda Mann Berghorst sends greetings from Fulda, MN. Linda retired and moved back to southwest Minnesota living in Luverne and then Fulda. She has survived ovarian cancer and the deaths of both a daughter and grandson. She calls on classmates to give her a call. “Linda, DC,” would love to reconnect! Jim Keinast (67) of Devils Lake, ND, closed out a stellar military career with the second highest award the state can bestow on a soldier in peacetime. Kienast received the North Dakota Legion of Merit for his time and dedication to the military, which totaled 38 years with the Navy and the National Guard. Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1971 after graduating from Minnesota State College in Marshall. After serving in the Navy,

What We’ve Heard . . . Continued on page 10

Joyce Wessels will be among Rock County residents lending family memoirs to the Herreid Military Museum for the WWI display. She has a detailed and elaborate scrapbook of her father’s service during WWI. His name was Thomas Reemts and he was 28 years old when he received notice in January 1918 that he should report for duty. Wessels’ scrapbook notes, “He realized his carefree days on the (rural Ellsworth) farm would soon be a thing of the past.”

WWI display seeks items from community Ninety years ago, on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared the observance of Veteran’s Day. That date was chosen because a mere year earlier, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Treaty of Versailles was signed for the most part ending World War I. For decades the world called that horrific conflict … the war to end all wars! If that were only the case! Less than thirty years later America would be fighting a war in two separate theatres. The Herreid Military Museum, which opened July 18, 2009, in the completely renovated Sheriff’s Home and Jail at the Rock County Courthouse Square, pays homage to the service of the brave men and women from Rock County who served in World War II. In honor of the anniversary of Veterans Day, the Herreid Military Museum Committee begins the second phase of exhibit development. The west portion of the museum will be dedicated to the story of Rock County citizen’s service in World War I. Display items on the west side of the museum will be integrated into the current displays and a new exhibit will emerge on the west wall portion of the museum floor. The Herreid Military Museum Committee is searching for pictures, letters, artifacts, stories and other memorabilia focusing on WWI. The Committee

invites Alumni to share the story of their families as the exhibit is developed. If you have items (originals or copies) that you are willing to donate or loan, please contact Staff at the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building. Contact: Jane Wildung Lanphere or Lorna Bryan of the Luverne Area Chamber Staffing the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building 213 East Luverne Street Luverne, MN 56156 888 283-4061 [email protected]

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ROCK COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING: The Museum Committee is searching for copies of letters and cards sent to or from soldiers during World War II. We are working to develop holiday programming with high school students reading these letters. Names in the letters can be changed if individuals/families wish to remain anonymous. If you have any letters or cards, you or your family would be willing to share, please contact Jane or Lorna at 888 283-4061 or [email protected].

Forrest family serves homemade ice cream for By Lori Ehde Among the all­school reunion activities in July was a gathering of Luverne High School alumni who have fond memories of Forrest Dairy and Ice Cream Store. During the reunion weekend, the Forrest family members hosted an ice cream social for former patrons and employees of Forrest Dairy. In their reunion invitation to Luverne High School alumni, they write, “Remember hanging out at Forrest Dairy after the football and basketball games?” To celebrate those memories, an ice cream social was Saturday, July 18, at the Loren Forrest family farm, one­ half mile west of the high school on Dodge Street. Hosting the event were Darlene Forrest (Class of 1958), Dale Forrest (Class of 1960), Lorna Hansen (Class of 1961), Loren (Class of 1962) and Joyce Forrest, and Russ (Class of 2000) and Katie (Class of 2002) Forrest. Homemade ice cream was served.

Pictured above is Russell Forrest during the store’s grand opening in 1947.

Dairy and ice cream store was on East Main Forrest Dairy Ice Cream Store was at one time located on the southeast corner of Main Street and Spring Street in Luverne. The business opened its doors in 1947 out of necessity when the Forrest family ice cream operation outgrew its basement location on the farm. In the March 19, 1992, edition of the Star Herald, former Star Herald reporter Carole Olson wrote a history piece on the business and family members who started it. Following are excerpts from that story.

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ussell Forrest was born in Illinois in 1902. He came to Rock County in 1908 when his father bought what is still the family farm in Luverne Township on the west edge of Luverne. Russell and his father started the dairy business in 1927 when they purchased a milk route from a neighbor.

Pictured here are Martin Nergaard (left), who worked for Forrest Dairy for more than 25 years, and his brother Ed. They were photographed in 1939 when the dairy was located on the home farm one-half mile west of Luverne.

In their reunion invitation to Luverne High School alumni, Forrest family members wrote, “Remember hanging out at Forrest Dairy after the football and basketball games?” Pictured above are ice cream patrons. Pictured below is Russell Forrest during construction of the Main Street store with Earl Ecker, bricklayer, in the background in 1946.

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old-time’s sake during all school reunion

Pictured above (interior) and below (exterior) is the Forrest Dairy and Ice Cream Store at Spring Street and East Main Street (where Sanford Home Medical is now located) around the time it first opened. They bought four cows and some bottles for $600. With a Model T coupe with a box on behind, they started a daily delivery route to customers in Luverne. Each day they delivered about 50 quarts of milk they had bottled in their business. They also sold homemade cottage cheese and cream. The operation eventually outgrew the basement. n 1935 they added a milk house to the barn. In stages, they added more trucks, purchased a pasteurizer, a bottle washer, and a bottle filler. By 1937 they were delivering 500 quarts a day. In 1939 Helen Thompson and Russell were married. The people who worked on the farm and in the dairy boarded at the farm. While the four children were small, Helen kept busy cooking for her real and extended family. he big transition from a farm operation to a city business came in 1946. New regulations from the State Department

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of Health said they could not continue to operate their dairy on the farm. Russell decided to build a dairy and ice cream store in Luverne to handle the milk processing business. Russell designed the building and Stan Hinkly was the contractor. 7 Construction was delayed when the war

Forrest Dairy memories/ continued from page 7 department denied a permit because they were using strategic building material. Several times Russell made trips to Minneapolis to see about getting steel beams for the building. Earl Ecker, Alven Ringen, and Tony Ringen were the brick layers, and Jess Frakes did the cement work. n 1947 the Forrest Dairy and Ice Cream Store located on the southeast corner of Main and Spring Streets in Luverne opened its doors. Larry Viland was the ice cream maker and manager of the ice cream store. All of the ice cream was hand­made in a five­ gallon freezer. He could make about four batches in an hour. Breakfast menu items and sandwiches were also served. Ruby Viland, who also worked in the ice cream store, made about 20 pounds of barbecue every other day. The barbecues were served on toasted buns. Ruby baked about 10 fresh pies for the store every day except Saturday. Then she baked 25 pies. Pie was sold for 15 cents a slice. Favorite menu items included root beer costing five cents and root beer floats, which cost ten cents. A cone with a single scoop cost five cents and a double scoop cost ten cents. Malts cost 25 cents and 30 cents. A popular drink was a “suicide.” It was a Coke with a “squirt of every syrup.” The four Forrest children, Darlene, Lorna, Loren, and Audrey all worked at times, wrapping slices of ice cream, waiting on customers, filling the dairy cases, or sweeping floors. Darlene sometimes worked the cash register when she was 10 years old. Helen remembered how hurt Darlene was when a customer double­checked his change. In 1955 Russell sold the dairy business and building to Terrace Park Dairy. Darlene and Lorna both continued to waitress in the ice cream store. The building was razed in 1989 to make space for Family Drug.

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Donna (Woolsey) Scholten, a waitress at Forrest Dairy, hadn’t forgotten how to scoop ice cream. She’s pictured with Steve Thompson, and they’re serving Richard and Linda Bakken during the July 18 reunion.

275 attend ice cream social The Forrest Dairy Ice Cream Social held at the family farm during the AllSchool Reunion drew a crowd of 275 alums. It was a wonderful opportunity to share memories of Forrest Dairy Ice Cream Store which was opened in 1949 by Russell and Helen Forrest and managed by Larry Viland who was present at the reunion to share memories of triple treats for 35 cents,

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homemade pies for 15 cents, and tin roof sundaes for 25 cents. Many told stories of coming to the ice cream store after a movie or Saturday night shopping, or “hanging out” after basketball and football games. While reminiscing, all enjoyed a dish of homemade vanilla ice cream. Generous donations totalling $167 were given to Alumni News

Pictured here (from left) are Larry Viland, who managed the ice cream store, Loren Forrest, son of Russell Forrest, and Steve Thompson, son of “Milk Man” Virgil Thompson.

Ordung . . . Continued from page 1 of the activities, and was extremely impressed with the ability song leader Don Spease, ’51, possessed in knowing the words to the many different songs of Ordung’s youthful era. The home was also a place that brought to light Ordung’s frugality. Although he had in his possession more than two pair of pants, he favored the two cotton, pull-on pants without a fly, which where purchased from a special nursing home catalog. Each day he would alternate back and forth between the two pair. One day he would put on the black pair, the next day he wore the blue pair; then black, then blue, etc. Eventually, after sitting with his leg crossed, resting it above the left knee, he wore a hole through the material. The trouser was patched, but over time the patch wore out and another, but much larger hole appeared. Ordung was determined that the pants were just fine, and rejected the idea of tossing the pants away and taking a new pair from the closet. Instead, Ordung discovered, since there wasn’t a zipper, he could wear the pants by slipping them on backwards. His stay at the nursing home didn’t go without fighting certain wars. Ordung resisted some of the staff’s suggestions, policies, and medical treatment. One such war was over the window blind. The staff attempted to close the window covering, only to be confronted with Ordung’s objection, saying, “I want to look out my window. I want to see what’s coming. I don’t want to be surprised!” And in the evening, when the staff helped get Ordung ready for bed, they would want to close the window blind. Again Ordung objected, “Heck, if a ‘Peeping Tom” wants to look at this old body, then let ’em look!” Ordung, who appeared to be well-liked by staff and residents, passed away on October 30, 2007. Nearly two years later, on August 10, Ordung’s estate was closed and nearly six million dollars was disbursed to family and 12 charitable organizations. Nearly all of the 12 non-profit organizations are Rock County entities. The organizations Ordung directed his money to be given to and the approximate amount they received are listed below: • Ben Franklin Lodge (Luverne)—$58,548.96 • First Presbyterian Church (Luverne)—$58,548.96 • Green Earth Players—$58,548.96 • Luverne Community Health Care Foundation -Hospital Fund Drive—$117,097.92 • Luverne Community Health Care Foundation—$175,646.88 • Luverne School Foundation - Community Education—$58,548.96 • Luverne School Foundation—$58,548.96 • Maplewood Cemetery—$58,548.96 • Mary Jane Brown Home—$292,744.79 • Rock County Historical Society—$58,548.96 9 • Rock County Senior Citizens—$58,548.96

• Rock County Developmental Achievement Center—$117,098.92 • Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children—$292,744.79 • Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children - Shriners Burns Institutes—$175,646.88 • Luverne Dollars for Scholars—$2,927,447.94 Most of Ordung’s estate, as he wanted, remains in Rock County. “My money was made in Rock County and it only makes sense that it should stay in Rock County,” was often the claim Ordung made when referring to what he wanted to happen to his money after his death. Ordung has already been missed in the Rock County area. The business community is a little more quite than before. Ordung often made routine stops at various businesses in the community, attempting to visit with both the proprietor and/or the employees. And more likely than not, the conversations would turn somewhat humorous. For example, Ordung, who never married, would often give advice to both married men and women, even when they didn’t want it. One day, after giving marital advice to a man, the man said, “How do you know so much about married life, you’ve never been married?” “Listen, mister,” Ordung quickly came back, “I’ve been sitting on the sidelines, watching from the bench. I know how the game is played, I just haven’t gotten in to play.” Ordung could easily come up with quips for many situations. Later in life, while in the nursing home, Ordung compared his body to an automobile, saying, “I’m like an automobile on the backside of a steep hill. I’m traveling down the road, the brakes are out, and there is a dead end at the bottom.” The almost daily stops Ordung made at any one place throughout the community would usually consume a large amount of time. It wasn’t until the later years that it was discovered that Ordung was aware that he spent a lot of time at the various businesses in the community. Ordung once told someone about his visits with Gregg Gropel, the school’s former community education director, at Gregg’s office. “I could tell when I stayed too long in Gregg’s office,” Ordung confessed one day. “After a while Gregg would first look at his wrist watch. And if I didn’t get the hint it was time to leave, he would look at the clock on the wall. And if I still didn’t get the hint, he’d stand up behind his desk. And if I still didn’t get the hint he’d put on his sport jacket. And if I still didn’t get the hint, he’d leave the room.” Right after telling the story, as with most of his stories, he’d slap his hand on his right thigh and laugh. Some people in the community said Ordung was eccentric. Ordung referred to himself as a “conundrum.” Whatever the thoughts residents had of Ordung, Ordung enjoyed the people in the community, and in the end he’s showing that love by giving a great deal of money back to the community. If he’s not already, he’s bound to become a legendary community figure.

What We’ve Heard/Continued from page 4 he worked at the RTI Center and at Camp Gafton Training Center, retiring with the rank of CW-4. Michael Petersen (2000) sends greetings to classmates. Michael will begin his second year of veterinary school at the University of Minnesota. Wife Erin Tracy will start her fourth year of Medical School at the University. He enjoys playing on ultimate Frisbee teams. Classmates can contact him in his home in New Brighton, MN at [email protected]. Congratulations to Rodney Lensch (52) who celebrated 50 years in the Holy Minnesota with a recognition from Concordia Theological Seminary. Rodney lives in Omaha, NE, and is the director of Rod and Staff Ministries. He also writes, edits, and publishes a quarterly publication called Rod & Staff, a prophetic newsletter for the Body of Christ. Betty Willroth (55) sends greetings from Clovis, CA, where she and her husband Cal moved when his tour in Rapid City, SD, was up in the Air Force. Although wheelchair bound, Betty was able to enjoy a wonderful cruise to Alaska and is planning travel & cruise to Canada and the East Coast this fall. Betty is a retired nurse and has found time in her retirement to begin a little writing …

COUNTRY SCHOOL DAYS By Betty Willroth, LHS 1955 My first year of grade school was spent at small country school (don’t remember the number), located on a hill near a river. I remember a Betty Refness, who was an 8th grader, I believe, and a young man named Lloyd. He was always reading science books while we all played; I understand he went on to work for NASA in some capacity. The older boys were so good to help me find hiding places when we played “Hide and Seek.” One time they hid me between two logs that had grass growing over them. It was warm and I went to sleep. It wasn’t until class had restarted that someone figured out that I was missing. The boys looked where they had hidden me – and there I was

Betty Willroth shared this photo of country school from the early years. Pictured are (back row, from left) Helga Tofteland, Nina Mae Buss, Paul Buss, (front) Arnold Tofteland, Norman DeJongh, Betty Willroth. catching up on my “beauty sleep.” We lived on the Willroth farm which was about 7 miles south and east of Luverne. My second year, I went to school about 2 ½ miles south and east of our farm. I believe it was District 24. I spent the remainder of my grade school time there. My mother, Harriette Willroth, was my teacher for 2 years. That was NO fun because I never got to do the “fun” things like dusting the chalk board erasers or washing the chalk boards. Mother didn’t want anyone to say she “played favorites.” I can certainly attest to that. The school was actually 1 ½ rooms – the large room was for classes with a smaller “cloak” room for our coats. Of course, we had outdoor plumbing. Some of my classmates were Helga and Arnold Tofteland, Nina Mae and Paul Buss, and Norman DeJongh. Stanley Gyberg was a first grader when I was an eighth grader. My last teacher was Ida (Olsen) Reverts. I had a huge crush on Norman in the third grade and was thrilled beyond all when he gave me a bottle of Blue Waltz perfume. Used sparingly, it smells very nice, but at that age I thought more was better. The bottle was heart-shaped with a pretty blue cap. I was really thrilled a few years ago when Norman and his lovely wife, Norma, stopped by to see and me when I visited 10 Mother Luverne in 1990. We had a really

neat time “remembering when.” No matter how upset my mom got with Norman, he’d smile that devilish smile and she would just melt. He still has that same smile today. Norma is such a dear; she listened and laughed at much of what we talked about. She got a good picture of what her husband was like as a little boy. To the students of today, it would seem strange to have all 8 grades in one room and one teacher who taught all of the grades. We had to do a book report every 6 weeks and there was no such thing as “Star Testing” such as we have in the grade schools here in California. I’m sure the young people would be appalled to know that I rode my pony to school and sometime my bike. I would meet up with Norman, Nina Mae and Paul on a corner where we changed direction. We didn’t think it was a hardship, it was fun. We all felt we had a very good basic education. I wonder how well the teachers of today would cope with no teacher aides, no parent helpers, reviewing all the homework assignments, yard duty for recess and lunch, and maintaining the building. I found out my freshman year at LHS just how “backward” country kids are perceived to be. We didn’t have the “polish” the city kids did, but our education was right up there.

Alumni News Obituaries 1920-1929 Olga Marie Christensen Foulk ’29 died August 24, 2009, in Sioux Falls, S.D. After graduation she attended the Tobin School of Business in Fort Dodge, IA. Following her marriage to Boyd Foulk the couple moved to California. When Boyd’s father became ill they returned to rural Luverne to run the family farm. In the mid 40’s they moved to Sioux Falls where they lived until Boyd’s retirement. During their retirement years the couple managed motels in CA, OR, and NV. Upon completion of their work in the motel business the spent several years in Jacksonville, Fl. After Boyd’s death in 1985 Olga moved back to Sioux Falls. She enjoyed traveling, playing card games, especially bridge, crocheting and mastering the daily crossword puzzles. In her younger years she enjoyed dancing, bowling, and baking. Above all she loved spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Robinson, and Jean (Les) Olson, seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Agnes Hislop.

1930-1939 Norman Main ‘35 died August 19, 2009, in Mason City. After graduation he he attended the University of Minnesota. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII in Italy and received the Presidential Unit Citation. Norman worked for 25 years for UARCO Business Forms in Mason City and then part-time for Artz & Merritt Sporting Goods. Norman enjoyed volunteering at the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank and he enjoyed golfing. Norman is survived by his wife, Harriet, son, Richard (Audrey) Main of Buena Vista; daughter, Susan (George) Hansen of Fremont, Neb.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

1940-1949 Donald Kersbergen’ 42 passed away in July of 2009 in Greeley, CO, where he spent the majority of his life running a hobby shop with his family of four girls and his wife, Lillian. His wife and four daughters survive him.

Melvin Vatland ’47 passed away June 6, 2009. He is survived by his four children and grandchildren and a sister, Deanna O’Toole ’43 Luverne.

1950-1959 Dolores Lapic Reisdorfer ’50 died June 20, 2009, in Marshall, MN after a long battle with brain cancer. She began to work at United Van Lines in 1967 and ended at Southwest State University when she retired in 1997. She enjoyed shopping, taking bus trips, dancing, card clubs, class reunions and burger nights. She took great pride in raising her 7 children. Survivors include her seven children, Nancy Reisdorfer, Neil (Linda) Reisdorfer, Vicki (Kevin) Schwartz, Sharon (Dave) Soenen, Ryan (Deanna) Reisdorfer, Diane (Tom) Consolino and Mary Sue (Dave) Aasheim, 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one sister, Irene (Leonard) Hansen. Dorothy Johnson ’50 died May 28, 2009, in Leonard, MN. After graduation she attended Swedish Hospital Nursing School. She was a dedicated nurse who worked at North Memorial, Hutchison, MMC and Midway Hospital. She loved to knit and crochet and was known as “The Afghan Lady.” Dorothy is survived by her husband Phillip Johnson; daughters Barb (Doug) Portele, and Carol (James) Schuelke, and seven grandchildren.

1960-1969 James Larry Viland ’61 died on May 20, 2009 after a battle with cancer. After the graduation he continued his education at the community college in Worthington and Mankato, MN. After he completed his education he worked at Tony’s Grocery in Luverne and HyVee in Worthington. Jim later started his own painting business in Luverne. After he sustained a back injury and could no longer paint he started with woodworking and stained glass. He was truly an artist and kept himself busy with his craft. He enjoyed woodcarving, fishing, talking on the phone and the “sale” of his craft. He was instrumental in starting Arts in Park in Luverne. He loved gardening

and caring for flowers. Jim is survived by two children Vonda Kaye Viland (Victor Machinsku) of Yucca Valley, CA, and Jon Viland (Christina) of Nixa, Missouri, three grandchildren, his parents Lawrence and Ruby Thompson ‘37 Viland, and his sister Jeanne (Steve ’65) Ellsworth, Rock Rapids. Larry “Ozzie”Ossenfort ’65 died September 4, 2009, as the result of a farm accident. After graduation he went to work for Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. in Pipestone, Minn., and worked many years as a route salesman. Ozzie was forced to retire from Pepsi as a result of a motorcycle accident in August of 1989. Following a lengthy recovery Luverne Truck Equipment in Brandon, S.D., employed him. In 2000 he went to work for his eldest son, Mark, helping with maintenance work for MC Fitness, Worthington. He enjoyed playing fourhanded gin rummy and shooting dice. He is survived by his wife Marcia; three children, Mark (Mari) Ossenfort, Kristine Nathe, and Nathan (Lesli) Ossenfort , three step-children, Shannon ’85 (Sue) Schutz, Angie (Jim) Evans, and Jason (April) Schutz, three grandchildren, seven step grandchildren and 13 siblings, Loren (Grace) David (Linda), Donald (Barb), Lois ’62 (Norm) Nath, Carol ’63 (Virgil) Oltmans, Linda ’67 (Gene) Molden Rodger ’68 (Diane) Judy (Mike) Reis, Deb ’70 ( Roger) Gehrke, Dennis ’72 (Diane), Brenda ’73 (Keith) Staeffler, and Kathy ’74 (Keith) Scholten, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

1980-1989Scott Hatting ’83 died June 19, 2009 in Detroit, MI. After graduation Scott joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in South Carolina and Alaska. He worked for Siebenahler Construction before moving to Detroit in 1993 where he was employed at Smith Instruments Inc. Mr. Hatting enjoyed sports, especially The Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Tigers and Redwings, and collecting sports cards. Survivors include his wife Joy Hatting, parents Butch and Vicki Hatting and sister Jennifer ’88 (Greg) McClure, Luverne, and brother Eric ’90 (Shelly) Hatting.

Rock County Veterans Memorial Building named, new Hall of Fame members inducted during all-school reunion in July By Lori Ehde It was a proud weekend July 16­19 for Luverne alumni and for citizens of Rock County as the community was showcased at its best during a series of major local events. Luverne’s 47th Annual Hot Dog Night on Thursday kicked off all­ school reunion celebrations around town and galleries dedication ceremonies at the Rock County Courthouse Square. Visiting alumni and local residents had ample opportunity to meet and mingle during several outdoor events that were graced by near perfect weather conditions. One LHS alum described the weekend as “very fulfilling,” in a letter to the editor that appeared in the Star Herald. “The all­class reunion activities, meeting many friends and the Veterans Memorial Building dedication reminded us of the wonderful times we experienced growing up in Rock County, the support we received from the community and the life­long values we carry with us,” wrote 12 Bill Mulligan, Luverne.

Dedication of old jail as Veterans Memorial Building A highlight of the reunion weekend was Saturday morning’s dedication ceremony of the old jail at the Rock County Courthouse Square. After 18 months and $4 million worth of construction, the former Rock County Jail was dedicated Saturday and officially named the “Rock County Veterans Memorial Building.” Former Luverne Mayor Bill Weber emceed the dedication ceremony, attended by roughly 750 people. “It is certainly proper that we be here today both to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to society and also to remember with gratitude and reverence, those of that great generation who served, sacrificed and succeeded so that we today as well as many around the world might be free,” Weber said. “Some served in the military. Others remained home to keep the county working and producing to not only support themselves but what was to become the largest war effort in history.”

Rivet: ‘We have the opportunity and privilege to give back’ Funding for the project came primarily from the KAHR Foundation, started in 2005 by Warren G. Hereid II and Jeannine M. Rivet for philanthropic endeavors. The letters of the foundation name stand for the surnames of their parents, Kahler, Archambault, Herreid and Rivet. Rivet quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson when she and her husband addressed crowds gathered at the dedication ceremony. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” Rivet said, explaining that they were glad to give back to the community. “We have the opportunity and privilege to give back.” •The first floor and lower level houses the Luverne Area Chamber and Brandenburg Gallery. Nature photographer and Rock County native Jim Brandenburg was on hand for the dedication. “I’m honored and extremely

Veterans Memorial Building/see p. 14

The Luverne High School class of 1945 gathered July 18 in Luverne during the all-school reunion celebration. Pictured are, seated, Bob Canfield, Dr. Harvey Olson, standing, from left, Marieanne (Kopp) Mauch, Neva (Baustian) Clausen, Irene (Lapic) Hansen, Ellen (Pierson) Cinkle, Louise (Goehle) Beckman, Janice (Strassberg) Hanson, Mable (Toftland) Overgaard, Ken Nelson, (row three) Arlyn Hemme, Betty (Schmidt) Lorenzen, Leonard Hansen, Garrit VanEngelenhoven, Shirley (Skoland) Ford, John Krogmann, Dorothy (Kemerling) Petersen, Jarvis Boisen, Thomas Birkeland and Donald Remme.

The LHS Class of 1959 gathered for a reunion July 18. Pictured in the front row from left: John Serie, Sharon (Thone) Mulvihill, Fred Cook, Bonnie (Nordmeyer) Lyke, Sandra (Frederick) Luscombe and Carol (Rue) Wulf. In the second row are: George McKay, Pat (Iverson) Lehmann, Paul Aukes, Dennis Arp, Steve Hoiland and Pat (Hatting) Philips. In the third row are: Curt Dooyema, Jim Rolfs, Jim Ruddy, Bill Mulligan, Tom Getman, Dan Schmalz and Eleanor (Rober) Van Guilder. In the fourth row are: Jerry Britz, Evert Van Engelenhoven, Jim Ahrendt, Dennis Mahoney, Dave Connell and Don Blessing. Not pictured: Bob Wiese.

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Veterans Memorial Building/ Continued from page 12

Honor Roll . . . Continued from page 2

Contributions Class of 1943 LaVaughn Peterson Lewis

Class of 1961 Mary Oeding Scheffert

Class of 1948 Dorothy Dibbern Anderson

Class of 1963 Ken Husen

Class of 1950 Gloria Schlapkohl Siekmeier

Class of 1965 Becky Hamann Husen

Class of 1956 Larry Engel Russell Pederson

Class of 1967 David Granneman

Class of 1959 Don Blessing Fred Smeins Judy Van Otterloo Smeins Class of 1960 Sharyl Mundahl Pederson Kathleen Anderson Johnson

Class of 1969 Jane Engebretson Class of 1994 Angela Mulder Romero 2009 Forrest Dairy All-School Reunion Ice Cream Social

Alumni News Financial Summary Previous Balance: June 11, 2009 . . . . . . . $5,579.26 Expenses for July, 2009, issue: DAC . . . . . . . . . . . $417.60 Labels . . . . . . . . . . 186.77 Printing . . . . . . . . . 919.07 Postage . . . . . . . . . 2,529.68 Envelopes . . . . . . . 604.07 Postage Returns . . 200.00 Total Expense . . . . . ($4,857.19) Income - June 12, 2009, through Sept. 9, 2009 . . . . . . . $4,305.00 Current Balance . . . . . . . $5,027.07*

*The cost of the October, 2009, issue is not knownm, but the estimated cost is $4,500.00.

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humbled to be here among you,” he said. He said the reason he started the Brandenburg Gallery in Luverne was to support the efforts of the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation to preserve prairie resources and to educate the public. •The second floor Herreid Military Museum has exhibits that share the stories of Rock County people who served in the military. Ben Herreid, nephew of Warren Herreid II and grandson of Warren Herreid, Sr. spent three weeks in Luverne helping with the exhibit. “The most fun part for me was seeing how everyone in the county relates to each other,” said Herreid, who graduated from Luverne in 1996 and now lives in Edina. •The third floor Heritage Gallery features rotating displays of Rock County History. The opening exhibit is entitled, “Together We Stood: Rock County 1938­1948.” With artifacts, newspaper clippings and displays, it tells how family, friends and neighbors joined together to help the nation during World War II. Rock County Historical Society President Betty Mann addressed the crowd at the end of the dedication ceremonies. “I have always known Rock County people to be people of greatness,” she said, explaining that the museum will tell the story of Rock County’s heritage. After the weekend events, Mann said she was pleased by people’s reaction to the displays and the comments she heard. “I think they all realize they’ll have to go back and take time to read it,” she said. “It’s not something you go through in 10 minutes.” She said all the efforts of the volunteer committee paid off Saturday when the exhibit was revealed. “It’s all worth it,” she said. “I think it’s so important that people are aware what things were like. I always tell people we can’t live in the past, but we can learn from it.” She added that she’s grateful to the KAHR Foundation for its funding. “This would not have 14 happened with them,” she said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Reunions in the Making Compiled by Gregg Gropel

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Class of ’60 When: To Be Determined Location: To Be Determined Contact: David Smith 405 S. Fairview Dr. Luverne, Minnesota 56156 Phone: (507) 283-2877

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Class of ’95 The Arizona Winter Reunion is scheduled for February 17, 2010. The reunion will be held at Superstition Springs Golf Course in Mesa, Arizona.

When: Saturday, July 31, 2010 Location: City Park and Sharkee’s Time: 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Contact: Amber Mollberg Wallgrave 212 N. Freeman Luverne, Minnesota 56156 Phone: (507) 449-4135 E-mail: [email protected] For More Info: Go to Facebook, the group is called “Luverne High School Class of 1995”

Directions: From Hwy 60 (which runs through to Mesa east and west) turn south on Power Road to Baseline road (two stoplights) Turn right (west) for three blocks and it’s on the right. Because of the event’s increasing popularity, it has become necessary for attendees to pre-register. The preregistration deadline is February 10, one week prior to the actual reunion. To preregister contact Jim or Judy Herman. The Hermans can be reached via phone at (507) 283-8674. When the weather gets colder, contact Jim or Judy at their winter residence, (480) 380-6631.

Planning a reunion? Let us know. The staff is eager to announce each and every class reunion. 15

Alumni News Staff: Cindy Arends, Lori Ehde, Rhonna Jarchow, Carol McDonald, Patti Kirby Pierson, Gregg Gropel, Jane Wildung Lanphere and the Rock County Opportunities.

Alumni News

(Volume 20, Issue 1)

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